Genetics & Syndromes Flashcards
What is the incidence of Down’s Syndrome?
What chromosomal defects results in the occurrence of Trisomy 21? (3)
1 in 650
Meiotic non-disjunction (94%)
Translocation (5%)
Mosaicism (1%)
What occurs in meiotic non-disjunction in Down’s syndrome?
Meiosis error separating csome21 → 1 gamete has 2 csome21s → fertilisation = 3
Can be maternal/paternal origin (incidence drastically increases in mums > 30)
What is the incidence risk of recurrent down’s syndrome in mums < 30 and >30
Mums < 30 → 1 in 200 recurrence risk
Mums > 30 → 1 in 650 (same as general pop)
What occurs in translocation in Down’s syndrome?
What is the incidence risk if the carrier is mum/dad?
Extra csome21 joined onto another (usually csome14)
Mum carrier → 10-15% risk
Dad carrier → 2.5% risk
If either parents carries 21:21 translocation → all children will be affected
What occurs in mosaicism in Down’s syndrome?
Chromosomally normal zygote (after meiosis) but non-disjunction at mitosis later during conception
→ Milder phenotype
What are the craniofacial features in Trisomy 21? (8)
Round face Upslanting epicanthic folds/palpebral fissures Flat occiput (+ 3rd fontanelle) Small mouth + protruding tongue Small/arched palate Small ears Flat nasal bridge Pigmented (Brushfield) spots in iris
What are some other (non-cranio-facial) congenital abnormalities seen in Trisomy 21? (7)
Short neck
Single palmar creases + incurved 5th finger
Sandal toe gap
Hypotonia
Congenital heart defects (30-40%)
Duodenal atresia
Hirschprung disease
What is the life expectancy / prognosis for Down’s syndrome?
Prognosis varies with learning disability
>85% live >1yr
>50% live >50yrs
What are the long-term medical problems associated with Down’s syndrome (12)
Delayed motor milestones
Mod-severe learning difficulties
Small stature
Hearing impairment (secretory otitis media) Visual impairment (cataracts, squint, myopia)
Susceptibility to infections Risk coeliac Risk hypothyroidism Risk leukaemia + solid tumours Risk atlanto-axial instability Risk Epilepsy Risk Alzheimer's
What Ix can be done for Trisomy 21? (4)
In utero Ix:
Biochemical markers
Nuchal translucency on USS
Amniocentesis
Blood test - karyotype using FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridisation)
What is the incidence of Turner Syndrome?
What chromosomal defects/events → it?
1 in 2500 (>95% early miscarriage - incompatible with males)
Only 1x - 45X (50% girls)
Short-arm deletion of an X
Mosaic form
What are the clinical features of Turner Syndrome (2 of which are characteristic + seen in all) (2+12)
- Shorter stature
- Ovarian dysgenesis → infertility
Widely spaced nipples
Wide carrying angle
Neck webbing / thick neck
Spoon-shaped nails
Lymphoedema of hands/feet (persists in neonates)
Congenital heart defects (Coarc of Ao, aortic valve probs)
Renal anomalies (horseshoe kidney)
Visual impairments (sclera, cornea, glaucoma)
Recurrent otitis media
Hypothyroidism
Delayed puberty
Osteoporosis (lack of oestrogen)
Normal intellectual function (autistic/ADHD features common)
What Ix can be done for Turner Syndrome? (2)
USS for fetal oedema of hands/feet or cystic lymphangioma
Amnio/CVS - karyotype
What long-term problems can occur in Turner Syndrome? (9)
Hypothyroidism
Heart murmur
Kidney + urinary tract probs
Lymphoedema
High BP DM GI bleeding Osteoporosis Scoliosis
What psychological problems can occur in Turner’s? (5)
LDs (rare) Attention + hyperactivity probs Spatial awareness probs Numeracy probs Infertility
What kinds of regular health checks need to be done in Turner’s syndrome patients? (5) - to prevent long-term complications
Bone density Hearing/ears Thyroid BP Glucose
What hormonal therapy can be given in Turner’s syndrome? (2) + at what ages
GH therapy - started age 5-6 until 15-16
Oestrogen+progesterone therapy age 12-15